About Hill County
Hill County is located in north-central Montana along the Canadian border, with Havre serving as Hill County Seat. Established in 1912 from a portion of Chouteau County, Hill County includes approximately 2,916 square miles of rolling prairie and agricultural land. Hill County's population is approximately 16,300 residents, with Havre being the largest community and home to Montana State University-Northern. Hill County sits along the historic Hi-Line, the northern tier of counties that trace the route of the Great Northern Railway.
Major landmarks include the Bear Paw Battlefield, where Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce surrendered in 1877, and Havre Beneath the Streets, a unique underground tour showcasing the city's prohibition-era history. The Milk River flows through Hill County, providing irrigation for agriculture. Hill County government operates from Hill County Courthouse at 315 Fourth Street in Havre.
Key county offices include Hill County Clerk and Recorder, located in the courthouse, Hill Montana Department of Revenue's Office at the same address, and Hill County Treasurer. The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation occupies a significant portion of southern Hill County, home to the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes. Agriculture, particularly wheat farming and cattle ranching, dominates Hill County's economy, along with education and healthcare services.
Hill County's location on U.S. Highway 2 and the BNSF Railway mainline makes it a regional transportation and commerce hub for the Hi-Line region.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Hill County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order in the unincorporated areas of Hill County. The office oversees Hill County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. Notable divisions within the office include the patrol division, which actively monitors rural areas, and the investigations division, which handles more complex criminal cases.
Police Departments
In addition to Hill County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Hill County is supported by the Havre Police Department, which serves the city of Havre. The Havre Police Department is responsible for maintaining public safety within city limits, handling local crimes, and coordinating with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations. Both agencies collaborate on joint operations and share resources to effectively manage law enforcement across Hill County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Hill County Sheriff's Office, located at 320 5th Avenue in Havre, Montana 59501, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Hill County. Inmate information and jail roster can be accessed by contacting the detention center directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Mugshots and booking photos are typically available through direct request to the detention center, though some information may be restricted under Montana law regarding ongoing investigations or juvenile records.
- Processing times for records requests vary, and agencies may charge reasonable copying fees as permitted under 2-6-1005 MCA.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Hill County's criminal records system includes documentation of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and entries in the sex offender registry. Residents can request criminal background checks through the Montana Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which offers full records for people within the state.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Hill County are maintained by Hill County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Hill County, including the date, charges, and arresting officer. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly, following the procedures outlined under the Montana Public Records Act. Hill County arrest records typically include personal information about the arrested individual, the nature of the charges, and the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Jail & Inmate Records
Hill County Detention Center, located in Havre, is the primary facility for housing individuals arrested within Hill County. The booking process at the detention center involves fingerprinting, photographing, and documenting personal information. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring prior scheduling and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Montana state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees upon payment of bail set by the court.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Hill County are taken and retained by Hill County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While there is no direct online portal for mugshot searches, individuals can request access to these records in person or by mail. Montana does not have specific mugshot removal laws, meaning that once a mugshot is part of the public record, it remains accessible unless expunged by court order.
Courts & Case Records
Hill County's judicial system operates under Montana's District Court system, with the 17th Judicial District Court serving Hill County and Liberty County. Hill County Courthouse, located at 315 Fourth Street, Havre, MT 59501, houses the District Court, which has general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $12,000, divorce and custody matters, probate, and appeals from lower courts.
- Hill County Court can be contacted through the office’s website. Hill County also operates a Justice Court, which handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, small claims up to $7,000, and preliminary hearings for felonies.
- Certified copies of court documents can be obtained from the Clerk of District Court for a fee of $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus a $5.00 certification fee.
- The court accepts in-person, mail, and written requests for records during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Hill County Justice Court is located in the courthouse and can be contacted at ext. 233. The City of Havre operates a Municipal Court for city ordinance violations and certain traffic matters within city limits.
Court records in Montana are public under the Montana Supreme Court's rules and Article II, Section 9 of the Montana Constitution. The Montana Judicial Branch provides online case search capabilities through the Montana District Court Case Records portal at https://courts.mt.gov, though access to certain records such as adoptions, juvenile cases, and mental health proceedings is restricted.
Property & Public Records
Hill County Clerk and Recorder's Office, located at 315 Fourth Street in Hill County Courthouse, Havre, MT 59501, maintains property and land records for Hill County. The office can be reached at ext. 225. Available records include warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgage documents, financing statements, mechanic's liens, military discharges, brand recordings, federal tax liens, Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings, easements, rights-of-way, subdivision plats, and surveys. The Clerk and Recorder indexes all recorded documents by grantor, grantee, and legal description.
- While Hill County does not currently offer a full free online document search, property owners and title researchers may visit the office in person to search records or submit written requests.
- Recording fees are established by Montana statute at 7-4-2631 MCA, currently $7.00 per page for most documents.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $2.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page, plus $5.00 for certification.
Montana law requires recording of real property conveyances under Title 70, Chapter 21 MCA to provide constructive notice. Hill Montana Department of Revenue's Office, also located in the courthouse at ext. 226, maintains property tax assessment records, ownership information, legal descriptions, and property characteristics.
The Assessor's records include parcel maps, agricultural land classifications, and commercial property valuations. Property tax payment records are available through Hill County Treasurer's Office at the same address. Some property information may be available through third-party GIS mapping services, though official records must be obtained from Hill County offices.
Vital Records
Vital records for Hill County, Montana, are maintained by both local and state agencies. Birth and death certificates occurring in Hill County can be requested through Hill County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 315 Fourth Street, Havre, MT 59501, phone ext. 225. The office maintains records for events occurring within Hill County. However, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Office of Vital Statistics in Helena is the official state repository for all Montana vital records and can be reached at or via their website at https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/vitalrecords.
- Birth certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $8.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time.
- Death certificates cost $15.00 for the first copy and $8.00 for additional copies.
- Processing time is typically 2-4 weeks for mail requests and immediate for in-person requests if records are available on-site.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Hill County Clerk and Recorder's Office, with a fee of $53.00 and no waiting period required in Montana.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $15.00.
Business & Licensing
Business and licensing records in Hill County are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the type of business activity. Hill County Clerk and Recorder's Office at 315 Fourth Street, Havre, MT 59501, ext. 225, handles Doing Business As (DBA) registrations, also known as assumed business name filings. Montana requires DBA registration under 30-13-201 MCA when a business operates under a name different from the owner's legal name. The filing fee is approximately $20.00.
- The Secretary of State maintains a searchable online database at https://biz.sosmt.gov where users can search business entities, view registration status, registered agents, and filing history free of charge.
- Building permits and land use applications are processed through Hill County Planning Department and Building Inspection Office in the courthouse
- The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 518 1st Street, Havre, MT 59501, website www.havrechamber.com, provides business information and networking opportunities for local businesses.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Montana Secretary of State, Business Services Bureau. Montana does not have a state sales tax, so sales tax permits are not required. Professional and occupational licenses are issued by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, which oversees boards for various professions including contractors, cosmetologists, real estate agents, and healthcare providers.
Zoning regulations and subdivision review fall under county planning jurisdiction for unincorporated areas, while the City of Havre maintains separate building and zoning authority within city limits.
Elections & Voter Records
Hill County elections are administered by Hill County Clerk and Recorder, who is the Election Administrator. The Elections Office is located at 315 Fourth Street, Hill County Courthouse, Havre, MT 59501, and can be reached at ext. 225. Voter registration in Hill County can be completed online through the Montana Secretary of State website at https://sosmt.gov/elections/vote, in person at the Clerk and Recorder's Office, by mail, or at various state agencies.
- Hill County voters can request an absentee ballot by contacting the Elections Office in writing, online through the My Voter Page at https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo, or in person.
- Absentee ballot requests must be received by noon the day before Election Day.
- Montana law (Title 13 MCA) provides strong transparency for election records.
- Citizens may request copies of precinct results, poll books (with restrictions on personal information), and election administrative records under the Montana Public Records Act.
Montana allows same-day voter registration, meaning eligible residents may register and vote on Election Day at their polling place or Hill County election office, though pre-registration at least 30 days before an election is encouraged. Voters must provide proof of identity and residency. Hill County voters can find their polling place by visiting https://app.mt.gov/voterinfo or contacting the Elections Office directly.
Public election records in Montana include voter registration lists (with some personal information redacted under 13-2-220 MCA), campaign finance reports filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, candidate filing information, and precinct-level election results. In the November 2024 general election, Hill County had approximately 58% voter turnout, consistent with typical Montana rural county participation rates. The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
Senate and House races, Montana state legislature contests, and various county offices. Montana offers absentee voting by mail for any reason. Hill County Election Administrator must conduct a post-election audit of a sample of votes to verify accuracy.
Election night results are typically posted on the Montana Secretary of State website and at Hill County Courthouse.
Economy & Demographics
Hill County's economy is anchored by agriculture, education, healthcare, and transportation industries. Wheat farming and cattle ranching dominate the agricultural sector, with Hill County's fertile plains producing significant spring wheat, barley, and pulse crops including lentils and chickpeas. Major employers include Montana State University-Northern, which employs approximately 300 faculty and staff and educates around 1,300 students in undergraduate and graduate programs including automotive technology, diesel technology, and nursing.
- Estimated median household income in Hill County is approximately $48,000, below the Montana state average, reflecting the rural agricultural economy.
- Energy development, including some oil and gas activity in eastern portions of Hill County, provides additional economic diversity, though agriculture remains the foundation of Hill County's economy.
Northern Montana Hospital, a Critical Access Hospital, is a major healthcare provider and employer with approximately 200 employees. BNSF Railway maintains significant operations in Havre as a crew change point and service facility along the northern transcontinental route, employing hundreds of residents. The Fort Belknap Indian Reservation contributes to the local economy through tribal government operations, ranching, and small business development.
The unemployment rate typically ranges between 3.5% and 5.5%, varying seasonally with agricultural cycles. Hill County benefits from its position as a regional retail and service center for the Hi-Line, drawing customers from surrounding counties. Recent economic development efforts have focused on value-added agriculture, tourism promotion related to the Bear Paw Battlefield and historical attractions, and retention of young professionals.
The Havre/Hill County Economic Development Corporation works to attract new businesses and support existing employers.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online (Montana statewide portal) | Property: Limited: In-Person Search (no free online database) | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Request | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (MT Secretary of State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 6/10, Hill County provides access to public records through traditional in-person and mail requests, with some records available via state online portals.